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Product score: 06

Data Availability:

Limited

La Mer The Lip Balm (2018 formulation)

La Mer The Lip Balm (2018 formulation)

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CATEGORY

Lip Balm

BRAND

La Mer

DATA LAST UPDATED

October 2018

Ingredient concerns

See how this product scores for common concerns.

  • MODERATE
    Cancer
  • HIGH
    Allergies & Immunotoxicity
  • MODERATE
    Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity
  • HIGH
    Use Restrictions

Ingredient scores

Ingredients are scored based on their formulation and concentration in this product. Click on an ingredient for more information.

Ingredient score: 04
PETROLATUM
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, skin protectant, emollient, moisturising, uv absorber
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (high)
• Persistence and bioaccumulation (low)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Contamination concerns (PAHS)
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Ingredient score: 01
OCTYLDODECANOL
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - emollient, emollient, perfuming, solvent
CONCERNS • Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 01
MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX (CERA MICROCRISTALLINA)
Appeared as: MICROCRYSTALLINE WAXCERA MICROCRISTALLINACIRE MICROCRISTALLINE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) binder, bulking agent, emulsion stabilizer, viscosity increasing agent - nonaqueous, binding, emulsion stabilising, opacifying, viscosity controlling
CONCERNS • Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 01
OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, viscosity increasing agent - nonaqueous, emollient, viscosity controlling
CONCERNS • Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 01
BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2
Data Availability: None
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - emollient, emollient, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
POLYGLYCERYL-10 PENTAOLEATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - emollient, surfactant - emulsifying agent, emulsifying
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
PHENYL TRIMETHICONE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) antifoaming agent, hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, antifoaming, hair conditioning, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF EXTRACT
Appeared as: ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) external analgesic, humectant, oral care agent, skin-conditioning agent - emollient;skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous
CONCERNS • Cancer (moderate)
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
• Use restrictions (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
ALGAE/ SEAWEED/ KELP EXTRACT (SPECIES UNSPECIFIED)
Appeared as: SEAWEED (ALGAE) EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, humectant, oral care agent, skin-conditioning agent - emollient;skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous
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Ingredient score: 01
MALACHITE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
ALGAE/ SEAWEED/ KELP EXTRACT (SPECIES UNSPECIFIED)
Appeared as: ALGAE EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, humectant, oral care agent, skin-conditioning agent - emollient;skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous
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Ingredient score: 01
TOURMALINE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) viscosity increasing agent - nonaqueous, viscosity controlling
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Ingredient score: 01
SESAMUM INDICUM (SESAME) OIL
Appeared as: SESAMUM INDICUM (SESAME) SEED OIL
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, emollient, hair conditioning, masking, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 06
EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS (EUCALYPTUS) LEAF OIL
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, perfuming, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (high)
• Enhanced skin absorption
• Use restrictions (moderate)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
SESAMUM INDICUM (SESAME) OIL
Appeared as: SESAMUM INDICUM SEED (SESAME)
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, emollient, hair conditioning, masking, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
MEDICAGO SATIVA (ALFALFA) SEED POWDER
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEEDCAKE
Appeared as: HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEEDCAKE (SUNFLOWER)
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) abrasive, absorbent, bulking agent, bulking
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Ingredient score: 01
PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) SEED MEAL
Appeared as: PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS SEED MEAL (SWEET ALMOND)
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) abrasive, bulking agent
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Ingredient score: 01
SODIUM GLUCONATE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) chelating agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, chelating, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
POTASSIUM GLUCONATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) chelating agent, skin protectant, chelating, skin protecting
CONCERNS • Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
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Ingredient score: 02
COPPER GLUCONATE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) not reported, skin conditioning, skin protecting
CONCERNS • Persistence and bioaccumulation (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
CALCIUM GLUCONATE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, humectant, oral care, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
MAGNESIUM GLUCONATE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) not reported, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 05
ZINC GLUCONATE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) cosmetic biocide, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, deodorant, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (high)
• Persistence and bioaccumulation (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
VITAMIN E SUCCINATE
Appeared as: TOCOPHERYL SUCCINATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) antioxidant
CONCERNS • Cancer (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
NIACIN
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, antistatic, smoothing
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Ingredient score: 02
RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) SEED OIL
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, emollient, masking, moisturising, skin conditioning, smoothing, solvent
CONCERNS • Developmental/reproductive toxicity (moderate)
• Enhanced skin absorption
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (moderate)
• Biochemical or cellular level changes (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) antioxidant, fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, emollient, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
PHYTOSPHINGOSINE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, hair conditioning, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
TREHALOSE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) flavoring agent, humectant, moisturising
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
POLYBUTENE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) binder, epilating agent, viscosity increasing agent - nonaqueous
CONCERNS • Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
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Ingredient score: 03
TOCOPHERYL ACETATE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) antioxidant, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Cancer (low)
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate)
• Contamination concerns (HYDROQUINONE)
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Ingredient score: 01
CHOLESTEROL
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) emulsion stabilizer, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, viscosity increasing agent -nonaqueous, emollient, emulsifying, skin conditioning, stabilising, viscosity controlling
CONCERNS • Persistence and bioaccumulation (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 01
GLYCERYL DISTEARATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - emollient, antistatic, emollient
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
WATER
Appeared as: WATERAQUAEAU
Data Availability: Robust
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FUNCTION(S) solvent
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Ingredient score: 02
GLYCERIN
Data Availability: Good
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FUNCTION(S) denaturant, fragrance ingredient, hair conditioning agent, humectant, oral care agent;oral health care drug, skin-conditioning agent - humectant, skin protectant, viscosity decreasing agent, perfuming, solvent
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 01
MENTHYL PCA
Data Availability: None
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, humectant, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
OLEIC ACID
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, surfactant - cleansing agentsurfactant-cleansing agent is included as a function for the soap form of oleic acid., emollient, emulsifying
CONCERNS • Cancer (low)
• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
PALMITIC ACID
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, opacifying agent, surfactant - cleansing agent, surfactant -emulsifying agentsurfactant-cleansing agent is included as a function for the soap form of palmitic acid., emollient, emulsifying
CONCERNS • Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
SODIUM SACCHARIN
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) flavoring agent, fragrance ingredient, masking, oral care
CONCERNS • Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) surfactant - emulsifying agent, emulsifying
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
CALCIUM CARBONATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) abrasive, buffering agent, bulking agent, opacifying agent, oral care agent, buffering, bulking, opacifying, oral care
CONCERNS • Enhanced skin absorption
• Use restrictions (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
SODIUM BICARBONATE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) abrasive, buffering agent, deodorant agent, oral care agent, oral health care drug;phadjuster, skin protectant, buffering, deodorant, oral care, skin protecting
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Ingredient score: 08
FRAGRANCE
Appeared as: FRAGRANCE (PARFUM)
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) deodorant, masking, perfuming
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (high)
• Endocrine disruption (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 05
BENZYL BENZOATE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, solvent, antimicrobial, masking
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (high)
• Use restrictions (moderate)
• Endocrine disruption (low)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
• Occupational hazards (high)
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Ingredient score: 06
LIMONENE
Data Availability: Good
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FUNCTION(S) perfuming
CONCERNS • Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (high)
• Use restrictions (moderate)
• Persistence and bioaccumulation (moderate)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (high)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 05
BHT
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) antioxidant, fragrance ingredient, masking
CONCERNS • Cancer (moderate)
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (high)
• Endocrine disruption (low)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (moderate)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 08
CI 42090 (FD&C BLUE NO. 1 OR D&C BLUE NO. 4) ALUMINUM LAKE
Appeared as: BLUE 1 LAKE (CI 42090)
Data Availability: None
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FUNCTION(S) colorant, hair dyeing
CONCERNS • Cancer (moderate)
• Use restrictions (high)
• Neurotoxicity (low)
• Endocrine disruption (low)
• Persistence and bioaccumulation (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (moderate)
• Contamination concerns (ANILINE and CADMIUM (pyrophoric))
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 06
FD&C YELLOW NO. 5 (CI 19140) LAKE
Appeared as: YELLOW 5 LAKE (CI 19140)
Data Availability: None
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FUNCTION(S) colorant
CONCERNS • Cancer (low)
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate)
• Use restrictions (low)
• Neurotoxicity (moderate)
• Endocrine disruption (low)
• Persistence and bioaccumulation (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Contamination concerns (BIPHENYL-2-YLAMINE and CADMIUM (pyrophoric))
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT

Ingredients from packaging:

Petrolatum, Octyldodecanol, Microcrystalline WaxCera MicrocristallinaCire Microcristalline, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaoleate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Seaweed (Algae) Extract, Malachite, Algae Extract, Tourmaline, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal, Sodium Gluconate, Potassium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopheryl Succinate, Niacin, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Phytosphingosine, Trehalose, Polybutene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cholesterol, Glyceryl Distearate, WaterAquaEau, Glycerin, Menthyl Pca, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Saccharin, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Fragrance (Parfum), Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Bht, Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)

Product's animal testing policies

Some cosmetics companies have taken People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Leaping Bunny animal-testing pledges. For consumers who are concerned about companies’ policies on animal testing, Skin Deep reports this information.


Unknown

Leading international certifiers PETA and Leaping Bunny have no information concerning this company’s use of animal testing.

Understanding scores

Cosmetics and personal care products are not required to be tested for safety before being allowed on the market. The Skin Deep® scoring system was designed to help the public understand whether a product is safe to use or whether it contains ingredients of concern.

Every product and ingredient in Skin Deep gets a two-part score – one for hazard and one for data availability. The safest products score well by both measures, with a low hazard rating and a fair or better data availability rating.

HOW WE DETERMINE SCORES

Hazard score

The Skin Deep ingredient hazard score, from 1 to 10, reflects known and suspected hazards linked to the ingredients. The EWG VERIFIED® mark means a product meets EWG’s strictest criteria for transparency and health.

Score legend

Data availability

The Skin Deep data availability rating reflects the number of scientific studies about the product or ingredient in the published scientific literature.

NONE LIMITED FAIR GOOD ROBUST
Low Availability
Moderate Availability
High Availability

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